Damaged Siding (Easy Fix?)

[Anton]

My wife and I have recently purchased a repoed 1999 Redman doublewide Manufactured Home housed on a permanent foundation. This is our first home and as far as we can tell the MH was very well taken care of. One of our concerns with the home is the siding. When we were first looking at home, I noticed some cracks in the siding (I think that it is called Hardboard Siding, not sure, it looks like 4’ wide sheets notched to appear as vertical wood paneling). At the time, I felt that this was a minor problem. Was I right? Can I fill in the cracks with putty or caulking and paint over? Or does this sound like something more serious?
We live in dry New Mexico with an average rainfall of 7.5 inches, 273 sunny days and low humidity, could this really be water damage?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Mac]

I'd assume these are vertical, small cracks? If so, I think I would just fill them in and paint well There is a new GE silicone out that's supposed to be paintable... haven't tried it.

[Bill Fry]

7.5 inches in a year!!I got that somethimes just in a weekend
Anyway if its masonite siding it will only get worse.This stuff just rots alway in about 10 to 15 years,I don't know if the climate has anything to do with it.There is a class action suit thats worth looking into if thats what kind of siding you have.
If its hardi-plank it wouldnt be cracking so that leads me to believe its the later.It could be another type of siding too,its hard to say without looking at it.Perhaps you can find someone in your area who was experinced in siding and could tell you what it is.

[Anton]

Most of the cracks are small (less than 1/16" wide) and vertical, between the sheets of siding. However, there are a few horizontal cracks as well as a nailhole cracks and a dent measuring 2" in diameter and 1/2" deep. What would cause the cracks to form? Could it be the foundation shifting? Or do you think that the dry area that I live in is the cause? Too much stress on the walls? Is this something that I can expect to have to continue (routine maintenance) to repair? So many questions so little time. I am also looking into that lawsuit, to see what I can find out.

Thank you for your Time

[rmurray]

Go here and find the lawsuit info..

http://www.mobilehomerepair.com/